On the couch
On the couch
BLOG
We have a very comfortable couch at Justitia, which is where we have our best discussions. This is what we’re talking about at the moment.
Wrap up: the Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference
The Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference (APSACC) last week offered a wide programme of speakers and accordingly attracted a large audience. The recent changes to whistleblower laws meant that APSACC was of particular interest this year to those who work on integrity matters in the public and private sectors. Whistleblower protections are attracting great interest […]
Best practice whistleblowing practices – learnings from the APSAC conference
Last week I attended the 7th Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference. Given the changes to the private sector whistleblowing legislation this year, I was particularly interested in the two sessions regarding the risks and best practice for managing whistleblowing complaints. First up was Professor A J Brown and Ms Jane Olson who are two of […]
Recent ALGWA conference offers little nuggets of gold for employers
Last weekend I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend an exceptional conference; the Australian Local Government Women’s Association Vic Conference 2019. The conference was hosted by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Justitia was one of the sponsors. The theme of the conference was Leadership and Collaboration in government and community. I listened […]
Insight: investigating sexual harassment in the US entertainment industry
This week Justitia was fortunate to host the Australasian Association of Workplace Investigators’ (AAWI) Melbourne Local Circle for a presentation by visiting US workplace investigator, Michael Robbins. Michael practised as a labour and employment lawyer for over 20 years before establishing EXTTI (Expert Testimony Training Investigations). He is a highly credentialed workplace investigator with particular […]
Victoria’s new Labour Hire Licensing Scheme
The new Victorian Labour Hire Licensing Scheme (Scheme) – designed to provide protection to vulnerable labour hire workers – came into force on 29 April 2019. The labour hire industry in Victoria is now regulated by the Labour Hire Licensing Authority, which is responsible for implementing the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 (Vic) (Act) and […]
Accommodating cultural diversity during an investigation
Despite living in a multi-cultural society, we do not always adequately take stock of the impact of our customs and practices on those who were not raised in Australia, who may not have been raised in a first-world country, or who do not speak English as a first language. Grappling with bureaucratic and legalistic processes […]
Message received – FWC says text message dismissal was “unconscionably undignified”
Casual employment is a popular option for employers who want flexibility. However, employers should not assume that this flexibility allows them to dismiss casual employees without due process or consequence. In the recent decision of Kurt Wallace v AFS Security 24/7 Pty Ltd, an employer was harshly criticised for summarily dismissing a casual security guard […]
Justitia Lawyers and Consultants Announces the Appointment of Two New Partners!
We are delighted to announce the appointment of two new partners at Justitia: Magda Marciniak and Melissa Scadden. The appointments will be effective from 1 July 2019. Magda Marciniak advises clients primarily in local government and State government agencies and has worked with them for many years, forging strong and supportive client/advisor relationships. Magda leads […]
Does an employer have to give a reason when terminating employment during the probationary period?
The Federal Circuit Court, in the recent penalty decision of Pacheco-Hernandez v Duty Free Stores Gold Coast Pty Ltd (No. 2) [2019] FCCA 1295, ordered the employer to pay a penalty of $20,000 after it dismissed a probationary employee for a prohibited reason. The penalty was additional to the approximately $10,000 that was awarded in […]
Face-to-face training in the age of #MeToo – a luxury or an opportunity?
Earlier this year, the International Bar Association and the Women Lawyers Association of NSW made a joint submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces (the Inquiry). The submission made for a sober read. It is a reminder that the legal profession – like many other professions and […]
